COPD and comorbidity

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

This thesis focuses on the prevalence and impact of simultaneously existing disorders or comorbid conditions in COPD patients. Common comorbid conditions in COPD patients were detected systematically. Electrocardiography showed a high prevalence of heart damage, which is associated with poorer outcome. Other comorbid conditions such as high blood sugar levels, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression were found to be common as well. Comorbidity is present in almost all COPD patients and at least four simultaneously occurring comorbid conditions are present in over 50% of the patients. Patterns could be recognised and patients could be divided into five groups based on these comorbid conditions. In conclusion, it was shown that neither separate comorbid conditions nor comorbidity clusters prevent pulmonary rehabilitation from being effective in COPD patients.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Wouters, Emiel, Supervisor
  • Franssen, Frits, Co-Supervisor
  • Spruit, Martijn, Co-Supervisor
Award date27 Feb 2015
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789461594099
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Keywords

  • COPD
  • comorbid conditions

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